New Sustainability Partnership

Welcome to the City of Des Moines

A major center for insurance, financial services and publishing, Des Moines has a lot to offer, such as affordable housing, short commute times, a diverse population, and was also recently named one of the best places to live on the Silicon Prairie.

Spotlight on Des Moines

Gray's Lake Park features the 1,400 foot-long Kruidenier Trail pedestrian bridge and a 1.9 mile trail around the lake. "...Residents can walk, bike, boat or fish -- right in the very heart of downtown," said Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie.

East Village

World Food Prize

Des Moines is home to the World Food Prize the foremost international award recognizing the achievements in advancing human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.

Animal License

All dogs and cats 6 months old and over must be licensed. Dog and Cat Licenses are due January 1st of each year. Additional penalty fee is added to Dog and Cat Licenses after March 31. For additional information, please email us or call us (515) 283-4209.

Payment can be made at the City Clerk's Office located at 400 E. Court Avenue Ste. 116, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309. We are here to serve you Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For your convenience you may complete the forms below and mail or return them to the Clerk's Office.Methods of payment accepted are cash, check, Visa and MasterCard.

Liquor License Renewal and New Application Process

A number of City inspections will be required to determine your eligibility to hold or to renew a liquor license. These inspections will take at least 30 days to complete. Please assist us by forwarding all applicable forms and paperwork in a timely manner.

Once you have submitted an online application and all other applicable paperwork to the City Clerk’s Office, a criminal and financial background investigation will take place. When this has been completed, and the premise has been inspected and approved, the application will be presented to the Des Moines City Council. The City Council will then determine whether the applicant is eligible to hold a liquor license in the City of Des Moines.

You will be notified in writing should the City Council deny your liquor license application. Otherwise, you may call the Des Moines City Clerk’s Office to confirm the approval of your application.

Street Use Permits and Street Event Closure Procedure

In order to guarantee a safe and fun event, please apply at City Manager's Office, 2nd Floor, 400 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, at least 30 days prior to the event. For assistance contact the City Manager's Office by email or by calling us at (515) 283-4141.